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New student accommodation at La Trobe

La Trobe University is embarking on an exciting new student accommodation development at its Melbourne campus at Bundoora, adding an additional 600 student beds.

This major accommodation investment is the first since the original establishment of the University’s residential colleges 50 years ago.

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar said the investment was driven by strong domestic and international student demand.

“We want students to have access to high quality accommodation close to where they are studying,” Professor Dewar said. “There will be a range of contemporary accommodation options for both undergraduate and postgraduate students – with a mix of self-contained one bed studios; two, four and six bed share apartments. This new development will bring the total number of beds on the Melbourne Campus to more than 2,150.”

Professor Dewar said the accommodation development project would be a major boost to the local economy, with construction supporting over 500 direct and indirect jobs, and adding over $65 million to the local economy.

“La Trobe University is a major economic contributor to the economy of Northern Melbourne. We will continue to invest in local initiatives that boost employment and create economic opportunity for the region,” he said. “This project is a key part of the University’s campus development plans over the next 10 years and an indication of our commitment to the region.

“La Trobe University is embarking on the journey to create a vibrant and economically strong campus. The development will see the creation of a series of neighbourhoods including the already-commenced multimillion dollar Sports Park, which will become a significant regional asset for both the University and community groups; a health and wellbeing hub; a world-class research and innovation park and a regionally important eco-corridor.

“As a key contributor to the State Government’s La Trobe National Employment and Innovation Cluster with the Cities of Darebin and Banyule and Austin Health, we are committed to helping drive local employment, investment and ultimately create a stronger economy.”

Procurement of the lead design consultants is underway, with construction forecast to commence in early 2019 and completion due in mid-2020.